A lot of comedies are called "subversive" these days, so much so that the word has become a vague compliment. But I call Fight Club a subversive comedy for a reason. It sets out to subvert the ideas it presents, not to preach them. Most audiences are unfamiliar with irony and satire as sharp as this, so few will appreciate this film's greatest strengths. Fight Club is about what happens when people respond against a dehumanizing culture by reacting violently. Ultimately, they create their own dehumanizing culture, and anything meaningful they might be fighting for is only further trampled in the experience.

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This page was last updated on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 4:03 PM EST .